A Mortal's Journey to Immortality: Wang Yu Transmigrates into a Book, the Dao Ancestor of Rein

Chapter 153 Divine Consciousness Takes Form, The Sky Is High Enough for Birds to Fly
The normal formation of the core by a cultivator is achieved by an individual or family through a combination of resources and foundation.

The Qi Yuan of the Thousand Bamboo Sect, who is a pseudo-Core Formation cultivator, is a rare example of crowdfunding to achieve Core Formation.

Crowdfunding is clearly not the norm.

"What is the purpose of the existence of sects?"

Han Li murmured to himself.

He never understood it.

Is the purpose of a sect's existence simply for high-level cultivators to amass wealth by having mid- and low-level disciples collect the various rare and precious materials they need—essentially a corporate operation? Or is it that high-level cultivators treat their sects like a family business, where the larger sect protects the smaller ones within its capabilities, and the smaller sects reciprocate within their capabilities, all for the sake of mutual progress?

He still remembers how, when he infiltrated the Luoyun Sect years ago, those Foundation Establishment cultivators did not look down on him because of his pseudo-spiritual root and his kind attitude.

I remember more clearly how, when I first joined Huangfeng Valley, the group of Foundation Establishment stage managers tried to use underhanded tactics against me because of the Foundation Establishment Pills represented by the Ascension Token.

Yellow Maple Valley is very different from Falling Cloud Sect.

And the Qianzhu Sect, which he reorganized, seems to be following the example set by its leaders.

Moreover, the cultivators here are even more eager for such a leader to emerge.
"Could it be that Shi Jian simply fell in love with this place, then devoted himself to protecting it without hesitation, and then perished together with others because of a conflict of interest?"

"... "

"No, it's not time for them to give me an explanation yet. The major righteous sects are not people I can afford to offend right now."

Even if an explanation is required, it will be the Great Evolution God-King who demands it.

No matter how hard he tries, it will be in vain if he can't win over the Great Evolution God.

"We also need to make some plans regarding the Five Elements Spiritual Infant."

Or, why not just wait and see?

"It's done! It's done! Look at the sky!"

The funnel-shaped cloud formation, spanning several miles, absorbed a large amount of spiritual energy from the surrounding天地 (heaven and earth) and began to pour back, providing assistance to the cultivators below in condensing their core essence.

The existence of rules governing the universe seemed to become tangible at this moment.

"Good, good, good, it's done. My Thousand Bamboo Sect has gained another Core Formation expert."

"Yeah."

The members of the church were greatly encouraged.

Each of them seemed to see their future when they reached the Core Formation stage.

Only those who have experienced it can understand their joy and excitement.

Their happiness was not solely based on the fact that their senior had successfully achieved the Golden Core stage, but on the fact that they were no longer bound by the shackles of the Golden Sect Leader, and on the fact that they could receive strong support from their fellow sect members in the future.

Han Li was delighted with this.

The atmosphere of the Thousand Bamboo Sect has indeed changed a lot in the past few years, especially after the first batch of hundreds of Foundation Establishment Pills were used.

In recent years, newly promoted Foundation Establishment cultivators have sprung up like mushrooms after rain.

Over the past few decades, individuals with dual spiritual roots, special physiques, and unique spiritual roots, as well as some outstanding individuals with triple spiritual roots, have successfully established their foundations.

This has led to a growing sense of unity among the local people.

It seems like they're trying to emulate the Luoyun Sect.

"I wonder... what will the Great Yan Divine Lord feel when he sees this scene after he has been rescued?"

...

Han Li summoned two newly promoted Core Formation stage cultivators and more than twenty Foundation Establishment stage cultivators.

"Master, these are all the spirit insects on the list of strange insects that the followers have collected over the past two years by scavenging the far west."

A Foundation Establishment manager respectfully handed over more than twenty spirit beast bags.

"Oh? You're quite thoughtful."

The advantages of possessing a large amount of power were somewhat revealed at this moment.

"I am by no means a stingy person, and I always keep my word. You have all made contributions, so you can exchange them for the cultivation pills you need at the Hall of Merit according to your merits. In addition, consider these things as extra benefits from me. Take them and distribute them."

As he spoke, he tossed out some pills and top-tier magic artifacts.

"And you two, you should diligently cultivate yourselves in the future and not slack off."

Two bottles of Core Formation level pills and two unused Chaotic Star Sea magic treasures were given to Fang Zheng and Qi Yuan.

Afterwards, he encouraged everyone and instructed these mid-level members of the sect to take good care of the far west.

"I will seek a quiet place to go into seclusion for a period of time. You two will be in charge of the affairs of the sect, and you must ensure that no major mistakes occur. When I return, if the Thousand Bamboo Sect is developing smoothly and thriving, I will reward you two further."

"The other managers will also receive corresponding rewards."

"But if it becomes a mess and develops terribly... humph!"

Han Li snorted coldly, startling the twenty or thirty people in the room and causing them to cool down from their excitement and envy.

"I will obey the leader's instructions."

"Yes, if any more people with firm Dao hearts and abundant blessings form their cores in the future, let the newcomers take this token to my cave and obtain a set of cultivation supplies from my spirit beasts according to their needs."

Han Li tapped his knuckles on the armrest of his chair, his gaze fixed on the mountain palace complex not far away.

There, he had a temporary cave dwelling.

The cave contained a level-six Jade Mantis and a large quantity of pills made primarily from the inner cores of demonic beasts, enough to reward ten people.

His other backup plan was an elderly man who did odd jobs.

In the old man's hand, he held the main battle flags of several large formations he had set up.

In other words, they have gained control over all the formations.

The old man was none other than the Wind Spirit Root Elder from the Falling Cloud Sect who had failed to be selected.

Several years have passed, and his cultivation level has now increased from the fifth level of Qi Refining to the twelfth level of Qi Refining.

After everyone had left, he met the old man.

"Chang Sheng, your master is not going into seclusion, but has important matters to attend to. I will be away from the far west for a long time. Perhaps ten years, perhaps twenty years, or even thirty or fifty years. Are you mentally prepared?"

The old man's name was Wang Changsheng, and he spent his entire life pursuing the path to immortality.

A name reflects one's aspirations.

He had previously accepted them as disciples under his name and passed on the forbidden land's inheritance.

Back when he was still at the Luoyun Sect, he had specifically inquired about this man's past: he was originally the only son of a wealthy family, kind-hearted, and had helped unfortunate souls in need. He was principled, helping in emergencies but not in chronic poverty; if outsiders tried to steal his things, this old man would fiercely protect them, and would even retaliate when the opportunity arose. He was a kind person, but not the kind who was indiscriminately kind. Moreover, he was intelligent, learning quickly, and not only preserved his family's business but also expanded it. Most importantly, he was filial, observing three years of mourning after his parents passed away in their seventies and eighties.

Sadly, an epidemic struck, and the elderly lost their son and young grandchildren, all grieving the loss of their family. This left them with no other children. His wife, overwhelmed with grief, also died, leaving him utterly alone.

Over the decades, much has happened.

In a moment of despair, he unexpectedly embarked on the path of immortality.

Subsequently, he generously bestowed upon the few neighbors who had taken care of his family in the past, without reservation. It was also at that time that Wang Changsheng changed his name, as if severing ties with his past and focusing solely on immortality.

The previous crowdfunding campaign for Core Formation was also started by this old fellow, who set a good example.

"Master, as long as Changsheng is still alive, we will do everything in our power to protect all of this."

The old man bowed in worship.

"If the righteous sects like the Heavenly Extreme Sect pursue this matter, you will surely die."

"With my master here, that little risk is nothing."

"Alright, your lifespan is limited, so you should quickly establish your foundation. The twenty Foundation Establishment Pills I gave you earlier are not only enough for your foundation establishment, but also enough for you to train a group of people. You can also take these cultivation supplies; they are enough to help you advance your cultivation by leaps and bounds to the late Foundation Establishment stage or even the Pseudo-Core stage within ten years."

As Han Li spoke, he tossed out more than a dozen pill bottles.

Without exception, they were all rare Foundation Establishment stage pills, uncommon in Tiannan.

They were all made using high-grade demon cores.

Even in the Chaotic Star Sea, only the direct descendants of major sects, second or third generation, could enjoy such treatment.

"Master..."

Wang Changsheng's eyes reddened.

He participated in the Ancient Sword Sect's grand event of ten years, but he was not chosen, which was a pity.

He was not chosen and was rejected when he participated in the grand opening ceremony of Baiqiao Academy.

He tried to join the Luoyun Sect, but was also turned away by the rules.

He understood those sects.

But he was unwilling to do so.

Just as he was lamenting the brevity of life and the uncertainty of the path to immortality, his master appeared.

Although he was placed under a restriction to ensure that some secrets would not be leaked, he was actually quite resistant at the time. But this master treated him really well afterward, giving him the inheritance techniques and a large amount of resources needed for cultivation, imparting his cultivation insights without reservation, and providing him with top-quality magical artifacts and talismans.

They treated him like their own son.

He once asked his master why he had taken a liking to him.
Master's answer was only two words: pleasing to the eye!
He struggled to grasp the meaning and weight of the word "pleasing to the eye".

But he deeply understood the principle that a scholar would die for one who understands him.

I also understand the principle that what's free is often the most expensive.

His master was the greatest benefactor on his life's journey! As long as his master did not betray him, he would certainly not let his master down.

"I've also prepared a set of resources for you in advance, as needed for Core Formation..."

"And these are some insights into Core Formation..."

"By the way, this token is the restriction token of the cave where I condensed my Nascent Soul. When you enter the Pseudo-Core stage and prepare to condense your Golden Core, you can go there to seek an opportunity to form your Golden Core."

"Take the Thousand Bamboo Sect Leader's token. You might find it useful after you reach the Core Formation stage."

Han Li has given so much; what he needs in return is naturally more.

In his view, this person had a better chance of reaching the Nascent Soul stage than many geniuses with different spiritual roots.

The world tests one's heart; before the age of fifty, this person has experienced most of what one is meant to experience.

No worries.

No flaws.

When facing inner demons, all you need to do is guard against that regret.

With this person's Daoist mindset, regret is not a flaw, but rather a driving force for progress.

Just like him, not having a small bottle is a regret, but it's also a source of motivation.

"If I'm not entirely confident when I ascend to immortality in the future, and I want to leave behind descendants to protect certain things, this person will be an excellent steward, a great protector, and a helpful assistant..."

Of course, let's wait and see if this old guy can form a Nascent Soul first.

Whether he should follow the example of the Twin Saints of the Heavenly Stars and leave behind bloodline offspring depends on the subsequent situation.

If you happen to build a great empire by accident, it's not a bad idea to leave an heir to inherit it.

If not, then forget it.

Fewer worries mean fewer troubles on the path to immortality.

"The Thousand Bamboo Sect in the far west, let this be my first attempt."

This is his first testing ground.

If it works well, save it.

If it doesn't work out, then he can just obediently become the Supreme Elder of the Falling Cloud Sect. He has far too many options.

...

Just as Han Li was preparing to leave the far west and visit places like Yuanwu Kingdom.

An uninvited guest has arrived in the far west.

There were two people in the group.

The two had just crossed the desert area from the southeast when they headed straight for the Thousand Bamboo Mountains.

The formation left behind in the Thousand Bamboo Mountains was quickly and violently dismantled by the two.

Han Li immediately sensed the location of the Thousand Bamboo Sect's headquarters within a radius of 20,000 li:

"Huh? Who is it? What are they doing disturbing my fake cave in the Thousand Bamboo Mountains?"

He immediately realized what was happening.

His eyes narrowed immediately.

"Wasn't the place I initially chose for seclusion the Thousand Bamboo Mountains, which had better spiritual vein conditions?"

The next moment, his figure disappeared from the hall.

He wanted to go and see what the situation was like over there.

The Thousand Bamboo Mountains.

The two cultivators, a man and a woman, had already broken through 30% of the Inverted Five Elements Formation and jointly entered the fake cave dwelling that Han Li had opened up a few years ago.

As soon as the two entered, a quick scan with their divine senses caused a slight change in their expressions:

"No, this is not where that person secluded himself."

"Is this a fake cave used to cover up our true purpose?"

The two exchanged a glance, their expressions gradually becoming serious.

The female cultivators in palace attire were particularly worried.

"Senior brother, something's wrong. That person is clearly wary of the Thousand Bamboo Sect. Not only did he not have any Thousand Bamboo Sect disciples protecting him, but he also tricked everyone. This... we can't interfere with his Nascent Soul formation at all." Let alone deliberately trying to sabotage him: "If we can't stop him from forming his Nascent Soul, then our previous plan..."

The more the female cultivator thought about it, the more panicked she became.

Because their sect didn't want them to prevent people from forming their Nascent Soul.

Some proposals have also been put forward to win them over.

If you can't win them over, then try to obstruct them.

However, driven by their own selfish motives and the desire to maximize their own interests, they didn't even consider the option of winning them over first.

"Don't worry, junior sister, forming a Nascent Soul isn't that easy."

The male cultivators, on the other hand, remained much calmer and showed no signs of panic.

“Junior sister, you also know that in this far west, there are only two or three spiritual veins suitable for assisting in the formation of the Nascent Soul stage. The Thousand Bamboo Mountains are just one of them. If the person is not here, they are most likely in the other two places.”

The headquarters, due to its frequent use by a large number of believers, has long since lost its quality.

In recent years, it has been difficult to even supply cultivators who have reached the Core Formation stage, let alone those who have reached the Nascent Soul stage.

"Furthermore, we rushed here immediately after receiving Master's message. Even counting the two years it took for our sect's secret agents to relay the message, only a little over three years have passed. How difficult it must be for that person to form a Nascent Soul in just over three years?"

"So, senior brother, what do we do next?"

“Let’s investigate this place more thoroughly. That person might still be hiding nearby; we mustn’t be misled. If he’s hiding in this spiritually rich area of ​​the Thousand Bamboo Mountains, then we’ll proceed according to the original plan. If not, we’ll immediately head to the other two locations; we’ll surely be able to catch him…”

The male cultivator's analysis was logical and in line with the interests of both of them.

Upon hearing this, the female cultivator relaxed considerably.

"it is good."

What if that person successfully formed a nascent soul before they interfered?
With their sect and master protecting them, if the other party dared to harm them, it would be tantamount to going against the Heavenly Extreme Sect and their master, who was at the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm. From a self-interested perspective, unless this person no longer wanted their foundation in the far west, they wouldn't go to such extremes.

If they were truly captured, they could simply apologize and lower their stance. A dignified Nascent Soul stage elder wouldn't stoop to the level of two Core Formation stage juniors over such a trivial matter; he would most likely just consider it a misunderstanding.

Furthermore, cultivators in the far west have never been particularly tough among those of the same rank.

Moreover, when the two of them join forces and unleash a combined attack technique, they won't be much weaker than an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator.

That's their greatest source of confidence.

For the next half hour, the two of them acted without any restraint, turning the entire Thousand Bamboo Mountain Range upside down.

The two of them didn't let any of the spiritual trees in the mountains and forests, especially those that were a few years old, slip through their fingers and put them all into their own pockets.

The medicinal herbs and plants cultivated in this herb garden were also thoroughly looted; not a single one of those over three hundred years old was spared.

"This red hibiscus is quite nice, but it's a pity it's a bit young..."

The female cultivator took a handful of spiritual herbs from a medicinal garden.

"This ironwood tree is a few years away from becoming a thousand-year-old ironwood tree. Tsk, it's bad timing." The male cultivator chopped down an ironwood tree with a slight regret, then turned to look at another ironwood tree: "Yan Jie of the Giant Sword Sect was once a late-stage Core Formation cultivator with considerable cultivation, but he's been dead for over a hundred years and is still occupying his position?"

With a sneer, he crushed the sign hanging on the branch and then chopped down the nine-hundred-year-old spirit tree: several thousand spirit stones were in his hands.

Not far away, several Foundation Establishment stage disciples and a group of Qi Refining stage disciples from the Thousand Bamboo Sect who were in charge of this area dared not speak out against their anger.

No matter how much their hearts were bleeding, no matter how white their lips were from biting them, they could only force a smile.

There was no way around it; the difference in cultivation levels was simply too great.

They were just a group of Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment stage cultivators.

On the other side were two late-stage Core Formation cultivators.

Even if they risked their lives, they couldn't stop it in the slightest.

The corpse of a very responsible Foundation Establishment stage manager on the ground had already shown them how to keep quiet.

"Let's go, since he's not here, let's check out the other two spiritual vein treasure lands..."

On his way there, Han Li encountered a group of believers who were on their way to headquarters to deliver a message.

Upon arrival, I saw a jar of still-warm ashes.

"Two people arrived, both Core Formation cultivators. They not only destroyed my cave dwelling, but also plundered the spiritual materials and herbs of the Thousand Bamboo Mountains. They even killed a Foundation Establishment cultivator who tried to stop them? Is that so?"

Han Li asked calmly.

Several Foundation Establishment cultivators nodded with sorrowful expressions.

"Master, let it go. Those two are Core Formation experts from the Heavenly Pole Sect. Their cultivation is unfathomable. There's no need for you to put yourself in danger. We can settle scores with them after you become a Nascent Soul Ancestor."

One of the two Foundation Establishment cultivators who had guided him here years ago spoke up to offer advice.

The other person has fallen.

The ashes were placed in the urn in front of me.

"Yes, Master, those two are clearly after you, and they might be up to no good. We should avoid a direct confrontation and temporarily evade their attacks."

If they could have another Nascent Soul cultivator to oversee the far west and their Thousand Bamboo Sect, they probably wouldn't have to suffer such humiliation.

"Are you all afraid of provoking the Heavenly Extreme Sect?"

"afraid."

Who wouldn't be afraid?
That's the second largest sect of the righteous path, with nearly ten Nascent Soul elders within its ranks.

There are over a hundred Core Formation cultivators.

They are not people that the Thousand Bamboo Sect can afford to offend.

If the Heavenly Pole Sect truly wanted to deal with them, they wouldn't even need to lift a finger; they could simply have the minor sects affiliated with the Heavenly Pole Sect take action.

"Then what if I absolutely have to kill those two from the Heavenly Pole Sect?"

Sometimes, yielding and forbearance can indeed buy you a brief respite.

However, sometimes, the more you yield and endure, the more counterproductive it becomes, and you will be seen as easy to bully.

If he is still only at the Core Formation stage, he must be patient.

But he had already reached the Nascent Soul stage.

Why should I have to be someone else's lackey anymore?
If we really can't win, we can just go to the Chaotic Star Sea and wait out for a while.

Besides, what does Li Feiyu's Thousand Bamboo Cult have to do with Han Li?

"this…"

"I ask you, if I kill those two, thereby incurring the wrath of the Heavenly Pole Sect and causing you great trouble, will you hate me?"

"what?"

Everyone was astonished.

I was so startled that I shuddered.

Dozens of people looked at each other, speechless for a moment.

Two figures, who were rapidly flying towards another of the three major spiritual veins in the far west, suddenly shuddered for no apparent reason at the same time.

"Alright, go and gather all the followers in the far west. Convey my decree: from this day forward, the Thousand Bamboo Sect will no longer compromise with any external forces. All cultivation resources within the territory belong to our Thousand Bamboo Sect."

Han Li began to issue orders.

Several adjustments were also made:

"Tell all followers what we are about to face. Followers below the Foundation Establishment stage and their families are allowed to leave the sect. Followers above the Foundation Establishment stage should prepare for any unforeseen circumstances. Those who wish to stay and live and die with me and the Thousand Bamboo Sect should continue to wear the sect's standard robes."

"Master..."

Some people couldn't bear it.

This feels like acting too impulsively.

"Go, everyone go and spread the word. As soon as possible."

Han Li didn't care about all that.

Left with no other choice, everyone could only clasp their hands in agreement.
"…Yes!"

Which direction did those two go when they left?

"Master, they've headed northeast."

Northeast?
Could it be that you are planning to go to the Liupanshan Spiritual Vein, one of the three major spiritual veins in the far west?

Right.

These two came here and immediately broke into my cave. Their purpose was most likely to ruin my Nascent Soul formation and then take advantage of my failed attempt and the resulting drop in cultivation.

Han Li thought to himself.

"Everyone thought that I, Han, would definitely choose one of the three great spiritual veins as the place to form my Nascent Soul, but how could I not have thought of the hidden dangers? Furthermore, with the hurricane desert blocking the way, the people you arranged to do evil arrived too late, and I have already successfully formed my Nascent Soul."

in addition…

"I thought there would be Nascent Soul stage cultivators coming to test us, to win us over, or to obstruct us. But to my surprise, only two Core Formation stage cultivators came."

It's good that someone at the Nascent Soul stage came; it's a sign of respect and gives them enough attention.

But to have only two Core Formation stage cultivators come, and not only destroy his cave dwelling, but also kill his people and steal his things, is truly humiliating.

"Now that you're here, don't leave."

The Liupan Mountains, a sacred mountain range, are tens of thousands of miles away from this place.

For an ordinary Core Formation stage cultivator, the journey would take about two days. However, for a late-stage Core Formation cultivator, flying would be much faster.

He could escape in just a few hours.

Han Li reached out and extracted a wisp of energy from where the other party had left.

This Thousand Machine Technique can be used at the Core Formation stage and is a common tracking secret technique. When he uses it at the Nascent Soul stage, the effect is even better.

"It seems they really did head northeast. By the way, how long have they been gone?"

"Reporting to the sect leader, including the delay, those two left less than a quarter of an hour ago."

Only a quarter of an hour?

"Ah."

Easy to pursue.

Immediately, a beam of light appeared, and it shot away.

Seeing the exaggerated wind escape technique that could reach the horizon in the blink of an eye, dozens of Thousand Bamboo Sect cultivators were dumbfounded.

Wasn't it said that the sect leader was only at the late Core Formation stage?
Can someone at the Core Formation stage fly that fast?
...

Thousands of miles away.

The two figures, who were slowly flying away, suddenly sensed something and immediately stopped their flight, looking back with surprise and uncertainty.

"Senior brother, is... someone chasing us?"

Upon hearing this, the male cultivator remained silent for a moment.

Just as he was about to say something, he suddenly realized something was wrong, and his expression changed drastically:
"Wait, this speed..."

So fast!

"Senior brother..."

The female cultivator also sensed it and immediately became alert and tense.

“I have cultivated a special technique to amplify my divine sense, which allows me to clearly perceive things within a range of over forty miles, and to vaguely perceive things sixty or seventy miles away. This person crossed the boundary of that vague perception in just a few breaths…”

This speed is definitely a Nascent Soul level escape technique!

The next instant, an incomparably terrifying divine pressure pressed down on the two of them.

The two people who came into contact with this divine sense immediately turned deathly pale:
"Oh no, it's a Nascent Soul stage monster! And the strength of its divine sense..."

It was far stronger than their master's spiritual sense!

The opponent is at least an old monster in the mid-Nascent Soul stage?

But... how is that possible?

How could there be a Nascent Soul stage ancestor in the far west?

And why specifically target those two, the senior and junior siblings?

"Brother, what should I do?"

It was too late to escape.

Even if the two of them joined forces to use a secret technique to escape, temporarily gaining an escape technique comparable to the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm, the outcome would not change anything.

"Once that senior arrives, we can ask him what happened. He might not do anything to us," the male cultivator reassured him again.

Han Li arrived shortly afterward.

Upon seeing Han Li, the two quickly clasped their hands in a gesture of respect.

"senior…"

However, Han Li remained unmoved upon hearing this.

The escape technique not only didn't slow down or stop, but actually accelerated several degrees. There was absolutely no intention of communication; the attackers immediately sought to capture the target.

"Senior, what do you mean?"

“Senior, we two are disciples of Elder Xu of the Heavenly Pole Sect…”

Sensing Han Li's hostility, the two dared not remain in place and immediately retreated rapidly.

As they retreated, they all unleashed their respective defensive magical treasures.

A ring and an umbrella.

The ring formed a fire-resistant ring, blocking anything that came near.

The dazzling red light from the open red umbrella formed a blood cocoon within the inner ring.

With these two extra layers of defense, the two felt slightly safer and had a brief moment to catch their breath.

But the next moment, Han Li raised his hand and unleashed a barrage of wind blades. Hundreds of wind blades slashed at the two magical treasures that formed a double defense, instantly annihilating the Fire Resistance Ring and shattering the red blood cocoon. The two magical treasures were then cleaved away by the remaining wind blades, their spiritual light momentarily lost.

This is not over yet.

Behind Han Li, another Han Li appeared. Along with him, more than a dozen golden flying insects appeared, which were the Gold-Eating Insects.

"go."

After more than a dozen increasingly larger Gold-Eating Insects appeared, they split into two arrowheads, bypassing Han Li and heading straight for the two magical treasures. Before the two could retract their respective treasures, the Gold-Eating Insects bit down and wouldn't let go.

The two initially didn't take it seriously.

But soon, their faces became increasingly pale and frightening.

Because the magical artifacts connected to their minds were riddled with holes in a very short time.

The two treasures, which were originally thought to be able to hold off the Nascent Soul stage monster for a moment, did have the effect of holding him back, and the goal was achieved, but the price was too high and too painful.

"Wow... How... how is this possible? The Crimson Moon Umbrella is my natal magic weapon, which I have refined with alchemical fire for over three hundred years."

The female cultivator suffered a mental injury and vomited a mouthful of blood.

Sensing the ferocious aura emanating from the Gold-Eating Insects, her face paled.

"What kind of spirit insect is that? How can it even devour magical artifacts?"

Although the male cultivator did not lose his natal magic weapon, the destruction of the magic weapon connected to his mind caused him to lose all color in his face, and his lips were trembling.

Fear made his hands and feet feel icy cold, made his movements slow and stiff, and made his thinking sluggish.

"Trying to run? Hmph, did I say you could leave?"

The pressure of divine sense descended once more, causing the two of them to stagger.

What drove the two siblings to even greater despair was:
"Divine consciousness...transforming into human form?"

The Nascent Soul stage monster in front of me can actually manifest his divine consciousness?

The male cultivator's mouth was full of bitterness.

It's important to understand that this kind of technique is generally only available to top-tier mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators who are close to the level of a Grand Master. Senior experts capable of manifesting their divine sense can, if they so choose, launch a variety of attacks against non-Nascent Soul cultivators within the range of their active divine sense, making them virtually impossible to defend against.

With their methods, they cannot attack the consciousness of a Nascent Soul stage cultivator.

However, this kind of divine consciousness that can condense into a physical form can restrict them.

Sure enough, before they had even run a thousand feet, they were entangled by a swampy swamp that suddenly appeared in the void. They were truly trapped in an endless swamp, unable to break free no matter how hard they tried.

They were entangled.

The Nascent Soul stage monster behind them had actually condensed this swamp of divine consciousness, which they could neither destroy nor cut through, with his powerful and refined divine sense. Immediately afterward, the giant hand that the other had condensed with great magical power reached out to grab them.

"Brother, what should I do?"

Meeting Han Li's icy gaze, the female cultivator, who was barely protecting herself within the protective aura, shivered and quickly looked away.

She was absolutely certain that the other party's ability to manifest divine consciousness was something their mid-Nascent Soul master did not possess.

"Senior, there must be a misunderstanding. We two juniors have not bothered you at all!"

The male cultivator was in a terrible state, but he still tried his best to survive.

"Humph."

Han Li completely ignored these pleas for mercy.

A powerful magical hand descended, grasping the two people on either side of its palm.

The protective barrier that the swamp of divine sense couldn't penetrate shattered rapidly before the powerful magical hand. The other two protective magical treasures that the two had summoned were also bitten by the Gold-Eating Insects thrown out by Han Li, losing much of their spiritual power and becoming no longer a threat.

"Senior, senior, why, why?"

He wanted to die knowing why.

Han Li didn't answer. Instead, he manipulated the other person's body to move closer, and then pressed his hand down on the male cultivator's forehead:

Soul search!

Do I really need to explain so much to someone like you, a Core Formation stage cultivator who recklessly trespasses into the far west?
No matter whose Nascent Soul stage disciple you are, if you kill his people, take his things, and try to ruin his future, even if a Grandmaster of the Nascent Soul stage is right in front of you, he will still search your soul.

He really didn't want to waste time talking; he just wanted to get straight to the point.

I just want to know the true story as soon as possible.

Subsequently.

He obtained the information he wanted.

"It turns out they were two fools who were blinded by selfishness and led by greed, thus making the most stupid choice."

Through soul searching, he learned about the attitudes of the higher-ups of the Heavenly Pole Sect towards the far west and towards him.

That is, to win them over if possible.

If we can't win them over, we'll find another opportunity to eliminate them.

The situation in Tiannan is delicate right now, so we shouldn't make too many enemies, let alone provoke enemies at the Nascent Soul stage.

In short, try to win them over first.

But these two, after discussing it, simply skipped the process of winning him over. They only wanted to kill him, divide up his resources, and thus prepare themselves for their own Nascent Soul stage.

As for why the two disobeyed the orders of their elders and acted on their own?

There are many reasons.

One of the most important factors was the invasion of the southern hinterland by both righteous and demonic forces. The righteous Tianji Sect seized the opportunity, and the process was too smooth, allowing them to divide up a large portion of the interests of many countries. As a result, the sect even gained two new Nascent Soul stage cultivators.

Those two people gained a great opportunity through battle and successfully entered the Nascent Soul stage.

Seeing their two junior brothers' remarkable progress, how could these two not be envious? Therefore, after some deliberation, they wanted to make amends by asking Han Li for help, hoping to replicate the process of their two junior brothers forming their Nascent Souls.

"The so-called righteous path and the so-called demonic path are nothing but birds of a feather!"

Click.

Han Li snapped the male cultivator's neck, extracted his soul and stuffed it into a bottle, and then took out the golden core from the other's body.

This scene terrified the palace-clad female cultivator standing nearby, her eyes filled with pleading:
"Senior, my senior brother only perished in an accident while crossing the hurricane desert. I can testify for you..."

Han Li's eyes twitched upon hearing this.

"You're quite talented too."

"However, I don't need..."

As Han Li shook his head, he casually tossed out a handful of fire, instantly reducing the male cultivator's body to ashes.

The female cultivator in palace attire was even more panicked:

“Senior, it is more valuable to spare us than to kill us. My master will surely be willing to compensate you for your losses this time.”

"No, a life for a life is a matter of course. Since you killed my men, you two should leave your lives behind. That's fair." It would also be more effective in winning over some people within the Thousand Bamboo Sect.

"Senior, my senior brother and I just casually killed a troublesome Foundation Establishment cultivator."

The female cultivator said sadly.

How can the life of a Foundation Establishment cultivator be compared to the lives of two Core Formation cultivators? Especially since they are in the late Core Formation stage.

"In the eyes of you Core Formation cultivators, Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators are indeed nothing but ants. But in my eyes, aren't you two just ants as well? At this moment, I'm just casually annihilating two ignorant Core Formation cultivators."

"Senior, do you intend to become an enemy of my Heavenly Extreme Sect?"

"You're wrong about that."

Han Li spoke calmly.

"what?"

"Firstly, it was you two who defied the sect's higher-ups' wishes to win me over, so the problem doesn't lie with me. Killing you two is your own doing. Secondly, it's not because you two wanted to be enemies with the Heavenly Pole Sect, but rather, would the Heavenly Pole Sect really be enemies with a Nascent Soul cultivator like me because of you two incompetent and troublesome fellows?"

Pinching the female cultivator's chin, Han Li's eyes were deep and his tone was meaningful:
"You seem to underestimate the value of a Nascent Soul cultivator, and overestimate your own worth."

Han Li's hands and tone were so cold that they sent chills down the female cultivator's spine.

"Below the Nascent Soul stage... all are ants."

"Although you two are Core Formation cultivators of the Heavenly Pole Sect, you are at best merely tools of your sect. Tools have developed their own will, and even almost arrogantly brought disaster upon their masters. Guess what the master would think and do?"

"No, Master spoils me so much." The female cultivator's teeth chattered.

"They're just two pets. They've become disobedient and are causing trouble everywhere. Why would I continue to spoil them?"

Releasing the woman's chin, Han Li shook his head again:

"If you two had succeeded and taken advantage of Li's misfortune, then naturally everything you did would have been right, and the person behind you would have been proud of you. But you two failed and missed your chance."

Ultimately, it's all about the winner taking all.

"You two clearly realize that you've missed your chance, yet you still insist on going your own way, wanting to gamble on your luck and try to gain something. It's your greed that's driving you. Even now, you're still thinking of dragging your sect down with you. Do you really think the person behind you and the entire Tianji Sect are willing to stand up for troublemakers like you?"

Upon hearing this, the female cultivator's eyes widened in even greater fear: "Yes, they will, they definitely will! How could the sect possibly abandon me and my senior brother?"

"Senior, this far west is your foundation. You wouldn't want it to be destroyed, would you?"

Even before he faced death, he still tried to threaten others.

"Heh, if your master and the entire Tianji Sect are truly going to war with me for the sake of the two of you, then I will gladly fight to the end. As for this far west? In any case, this place is not my homeland, nor is there anyone I care about here. I've only been taking it under my wing for a while out of interest."

This far western region was merely a side move in his strategy.

Whether it succeeds or fails, it doesn't matter.

He won't feel bad if you break it.

Threaten him with this?

Are we still in the stage of children playing house?
His foundation, and indeed the foundation of any Nascent Soul cultivator, has always been only himself.

Only when you live a good life do things have meaning.

"Besides, the world is vast, and the Heavenly Pole Sect will always have enemies, won't it? If you really force me to take that step, then the Heavenly Pole Sect should be considering how to deal with my wrath."

"Finally, don't feel innocent. From the moment you wanted to attack others, you should have been prepared for the possibility of being killed in return. The anger of a Nascent Soul cultivator is not so easy to quell."

Han Li said in a cold voice.

The female cultivator opened her mouth slightly, but remained silent.

"Alright, you can get going now."

Han Li patted the woman's delicate face, then suddenly pulled out her primordial spirit.

"Senior, spare my life! I know I was wrong, I'm willing to make amends..."

"After I kill the two of you, the losses will naturally be recovered."

Flames erupted, and the female cultivator's body scattered into ashes in the blink of an eye.

It was burned to ashes by the infant fire.

"Senior, this junior is willing to serve you as a slave..."

As the shadow of death loomed over, the primordial spirit orb trembled even more violently.

"No need, I have no shortage of women."

He had no interest in flirting with a broken and fragmented primordial spirit.

After speaking, he pinched it off, and the primordial spirit light scatters into specks of firefly light.

In the end, only the remnant soul of the male cultivator who witnessed everything remained.

He would then pack up and seal the remnant soul into a magical bottle, and then have it sent to the Heavenly Gate.

...

Within the Thousand Bamboo Sect.

This caused an uproar.

When they learned that Han Li had killed two high-level cultivators from the Heavenly Extreme Sect, many people felt their world collapse.

After returning, Han Li only did two things.

One is to examine the hearts and minds of all those in the foundational stage of their faith.

With his current spiritual strength, he can easily master the art of questioning the mind, and those below the Nascent Soul stage have no chance to dodge or hide from it.

Then, he actually dug out seven or eight spies from among the hundreds of former altar masters and deputy altar masters. Every single one of the eight spies was either bribed or planted by the major righteous sects in their early years.

He has zero tolerance for those who betray their own side.

But he released the traitor from the Heavenly Pole Sect:
"Take these things to the Heavenly Gate. You only have a year and a half."

Han Li tossed the man a bottle containing a remnant soul and two memory stones.

"Master, your subordinate, your subordinate..."

"Get out of here before I change my mind. You'd better pray you make it out of the Hurricane Desert alive."

In addition to uncovering the traitors, he also ordered the middle-level members of the Thousand Bamboo Sect to carry out the previous oral instructions.

Those who wish to leave can withdraw from the church immediately.

He's the kind of person who doesn't like things to be forced.

His decision led to the majority of the followers leaving the Thousand Bamboo Sect for three consecutive months, voluntarily giving up their official positions and becoming independent practitioners in the local area.

but.

There is still a steady stream of people joining the Qi Refining stage.

Even though Han Li increased the number of disciples in the Thousand Bamboo Sect to 100,000, it was still quickly filled.

The far west may have its share of cowards, but that doesn't mean it lacks fearless tough guys.

"Meet the leader."

At the headquarters, Han Li summoned more than 10,000 veteran followers who had returned from various parts of the far west and insisted on not leaving.

"Do you know what costs and risks you will incur if you continue to stay?"

When these young Qi Refining cultivators were questioned, although there was fear in their eyes, there was no hesitation or retreat:
"I'll wait to understand."

"why?"

The crowd remained silent for a long time.

Then, finally someone spoke up:
"This disciple likes the current atmosphere within the sect and only wishes to contribute my meager strength."

These words may be true, or they may just be polite remarks.

But it still sounds good.

"This disciple desires the Foundation Establishment Pill, for in this land, only those who join the sect have the opportunity to obtain it."

Then Xiao Xiu spoke up.

This person is honest.

Their goal is to obtain the Foundation Establishment Elixir.

These words also resonated with many disciples.

"The fact that the Sect Leader was able to kill two late-stage Core Formation experts shows that his strength far surpasses theirs, and he may have reached the point where he can break through to the Nascent Soul stage. This disciple believes that the Sect Leader can achieve Nascent Soul. As long as the Sect Leader can successfully become a Nascent Soul Ancestor, even if the Heavenly Pole Sect wants to settle scores, they will have to think twice..."

The person who said that is clearly gambled with their own future.

Success! He rose to prominence.

If you lose, the worst that can happen is that you'll be punished, or you'll be a hero again many years later.

"No other reason?"

"Master, fortune favors the bold."

"Then I must remind you all. As the saying goes... fortune is found in danger, and it is also lost in danger. When you find it, you have one in ten chance, but when you lose it, you have nine in ten chance," Han Li said with a smile.

"Ah..." Someone was numb and swallowed hard.

"Alright, alright, I'll stop teasing you. Whatever your reasons for staying, I just want to tell you all... my men, you made the right bet."

The next moment, Han Li took to the air.

Immediately afterwards, a hundred-foot-tall spiritual giant rose from the ground and appeared right behind him.

This is a Dharma body, similar to a Dharma image, formed by a Nascent Soul cultivator using their Nascent Soul to draw upon the surrounding spiritual energy. Although it cannot be maintained for long periods and cannot be used in combat, it is intimidating enough and is another major characteristic of Nascent Soul cultivators.

Human body, primordial spirit, primordial spirit dharma body.

Similar to the transformed body, demon soul, and true form of an eighth-level demon cultivator.

At this moment, Han Li no longer held back his aura and cultivation.

"This, this is..."

All the Qi Refining stage cultivators present felt immense pressure and involuntarily collapsed to the ground. When they looked up, they were all dumbfounded.

After a moment of staggering, the Foundation Establishment cultivators in the arena managed to stand still, while others stabilized themselves by meditating, exhaling, and mobilizing their full magical power to resist the attack.

However, the two newly promoted Core Formation stage cultivators, after a moment of disorientation, found themselves breathing rapidly.

"A giant? A psionic giant?"

"Could this be the Nascent Soul Dharma Image of a Nascent Soul cultivator?"

"So tall, so big!"

The appearance of the giant immediately shocked the entire audience.

There was a moment of deathly silence, followed by frenzy and commotion.

What followed was an indescribable excitement, an overwhelming joy that was impossible to suppress.

"A Nascent Soul cultivator, a Nascent Soul cultivator..."

Once the followers realized this, without exception, they all blushed with embarrassment.

Their eyes were all bloodshot.

"The sect leader is a Nascent Soul Ancestor! A Nascent Soul Ancestor!"

"The sect leader broke through to the next level long ago?"

"My Thousand Bamboo Sect is not without Nascent Soul cultivators! My Thousand Bamboo Sect also has its own Nascent Soul Ancestor!"

"Hahaha…"

"Hahaha…"

For those who risked their lives and fortunes to stay, this is undoubtedly good news, a tremendous and unexpected joy. It's an indescribable boost to their morale.

"Om..."

Even after the spiritual giant collapsed, the image of that towering figure, hundreds of feet tall, remained etched in everyone's minds.

The figure in everyone's mind remained unforgettable for a long time.

It was at this moment that Han Li began to declare loudly:

"From now on, the mineral resources in the far west will be mined and used by the Qianzhu Sect itself, and will never be handed over to outsiders."

"From now on, I, Qianzhu, will teach myself to cultivate and use the spiritual herbs of the far west. Outsiders who want them must purchase them with spirit stones."

"From now on, the spiritual materials of my far west will be cultivated and forged by my Thousand Bamboo Sect. Anyone who dares to engrave a dog tag on their materials will not be surprised if I, Li, and the rising stars of my Thousand Bamboo Sect come to visit us."

"... "

“In my far west, we don’t need to pay tribute to anyone or pay protection money to anyone. This land should be ruled by our own people.”

“You can now stand up straight and start anew.”

The divine sense transmitted the sound, reaching a distance of over a hundred miles.

As soon as the words were spoken, the entire venue erupted in cheers.

"Roar! Roar!"

"Our leader is mighty! Long live our leader!"

"No, I won't give it to you, I won't kneel anymore..."

"The resources of the far west belong to us!"

"A thousand bamboos teach ten thousand victories!"

"... "

Just then, Fang Zheng stepped forward, his face filled with worry and fear: "Sect Leader, we have killed two Core Formation stage cultivators from the Heavenly Pole Sect. If the Heavenly Pole Sect comes knocking..."

His voice was so weak and hesitant.

Han Li waved his hand dismissively:
"What are you afraid of?"

For a moment, he was filled with boundless pride!

"If the Heavenly Pole Sect is determined to break ties, then even if it means giving up this far western land, I will burn their lineage and sect to ashes."

Everyone: "..."

What are you saying, Master?
Where's the promised domineering aura and head-on confrontation?
How did you suddenly become so cheeky?
While it may be admitted that your words, cult leader, are somewhat shameless, they are indeed the most powerful retort and the best threat to break the deadlock.

After all, the fear brought by Nascent Soul cultivators is never about direct confrontation.

Instead, they secretly plotted against those who had reached the Foundation Establishment or Core Formation stages.

Even worse, they would bully their enemies who were at the Qi Refining stage, using their superior strength to their advantage.

If the Heavenly Pole Sect were to provoke such a Nascent Soul cultivator who disregards both prestige and martial ethics, they would undoubtedly face a major headache.

...

After the rather ceremonial gathering concluded, Han Li left the far west.

My children, await my return.

The hardships you face in the early stages will pass if you just bear with them.

The future belongs to you young people.

It is clear.

Whether it was sending back the male cultivator's remnant soul, his conversation with the female cultivator, or this gathering to showcase his cultivation, all of these actions reflected his attitude.

Whether the Tianji Sect will confront this newly promoted Nascent Soul cultivator depends on their weighing of the pros and cons.

...

Meanwhile, those cultivators who had left the Thousand Bamboo Sect were filled with deep regret.

If they knew their leader was a Nascent Soul cultivator, they would be willing to take any risk.

Unfortunately, they disembarked midway.

...

It took more than a year to cross the hurricane desert.

He would fly up to the Gale Layer every few days to collect the Gale Wind from the Nine Heavens.

In terms of escape techniques, he is now faster and more agile.

Physical strength is also steadily improving.

In the following months, he concealed his presence and used his full speed to travel across the righteous path's territory, traversing the gale layer two hundred thousand feet above the ground.

Even those at the Nascent Soul stage are unwilling to linger at this level for long.

Therefore, when he entered the territory of Yuanwu Kingdom, he did not attract any attention at all.

Through this trip, he also discovered another major oversight by the various forces in Tiannan.

Besides the lack of defenses underground, it is easy for people to escape using earth-遁 (earth-遁 is a type of escape technique).

The high altitude was also undefended; for someone like him, a Nascent Soul cultivator who had mastered advanced wind escape techniques, it was completely undefended.

"The sky in the human realm is ten thousand miles high!"

"From 1,000 to 4,000 li is the lower three levels of the Nine Heavens Gale Layer; from 4,000 to 7,000 li is the middle three levels; from 7,000 to 10,000 li is the upper three levels..."

“When Nascent Soul cultivators fly and travel, they rarely come into contact with the gale layer.”

"In the future, if I can conceal my presence and move freely in the high-altitude gale layer, who can stop me?"

He's trying to steal our base; a typical perimeter defense system is completely useless against him.

If he wants to escape, ordinary interception systems are just for show.

This is the principle behind the saying "the sky is high enough for birds to fly freely".

"After cultivating several ancient wind-type secret techniques, this wind spirit root still has so many advantages?"

(End of this chapter)